Fifth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Richard H. Hart
Retention Year: 1994
Recommendation: Retain
Judge Richard H. Hart was appointed to the District Court Bench in March 1980. Prior to that time he worked in private practice in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Vail from 1965 – 1980, specializing in general civil law. Judge Hart received his undergraduate degree in English from Yale University in 1962; and received his law degree from the University of Colorado in 1965.
Judge Hart presides over a varied caseload that includes civil, criminal, and domestic relations issues.
Surveys of attorneys, courthouse personnel, and juror ranked Judge Hart very high for his courtesy and his courtroom demeanor. Several respondents noted that he treats the parties before him with compassion and understanding. Comments also indicted that Judge Hart is generally considered to be a fair judge who displays a sense of justice.
Surveys and interviews revealed there is a strong concern over the promptness of ruling from Judge Hart’s court. The Commission recognizes that the size of the caseload in the Fifth Judicial District is a factor in this observation. Interviews indicate Judge Hart is aware of the problem, and is making a conscious effort to end the backlog and issue speedy rulings.
There is some concern over Judge Hart’s level of decisiveness. Survey results also indicated a need for a more aggressive approach to dispute resolution in settlement conferences.
Judge Hart has a reputation for being a hard worker and responsible.
The 5th Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Richard H. Hart BE RETAINED.